We found our new cruise line! Review of Vista June 1-12

[janelledocb]

Apologies, I think this is in Bold, but I can't seem to change that, LOL.  Here is a very long review - feel free to skim!  

This was our first cruise on Oceania and we chose this cruise line after months of research here on cruise critic, through talking to TAs, watching 100s of videos, and reading comments on a popular social media platform. Like many others, we have been loyal Celebrity cruisers for years, but have been disappointed with their recent changes.  We are in our early 50s and have been cruising for about 20 years, but have always enjoyed sailing with a more “mature” crowd as we sail to relax, not to party (although enjoy engaging in dancing, trivia, etc.)!. Celebrity seems to be trending towards a more family-friendly, high energy crowd. Their new ships are stunning, but very modern and we prefer a more elegant and classic environment. So now we must cruise on their older, often non-renovated ships to experience the type of atmosphere and crowd we enjoy.  In addition, staff often appear overworked and stressed and MDR and buffet food are not what they used to be.  Now, not only do we sail the older ships, but in order to enjoy good food, less crowds, and less children, we also only stay in the Retreat.  However, that means we have to pay a hefty price each time we sail!  Plus, situations can become awkward when you make new friends and discover they are not staying in the retreat (so can’t join you for dinner, mingle in the Retreat Lounge, etc.). For these reasons, we searched for a new cruise line to try and settled on Oceania.

Okay, enough about Celebrity!  Onto Oceania!  We sailed the Vista from Trieste (Venice) to Athens June 1-12 as others did on this board.

 

Our ONLY somewhat negative experience onboard:
 

My hubby is a light sleeper so early on, we decided to avoid the Vista as we read that soundproofing can be an issue between some rooms.  But, our cruise on the Riviera was canceled last-minute due to unrest in the Red Sea and we had to quickly decide between the Vista and Azamara Onward.  Vista won, but thanks to advice here, we came prepared with mini white noise machines (fantastic, we were never woken up early in the morning!) and these TV speaker sound redirectors purchased on Amazon.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TQ23FKC?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

Who watches TV on a cruise?  I do! I enjoy watching a movie or two since I never have time at home and we also watch tv right before bed.  The sound redirectors worked great - directing the sound forward instead of going towards the wall behind it.  At the end of the cruise, I just removed the redirectors and easily scraped off any leftover adhesive.  Yes, we could hear our neighbors on both sides from time to time but not to the degree to where we could hear their actual conversations, thank goodness.  Fortunately, our cruise was port-intensive so people did not spend much time in their rooms.  Yes, Oceania knows about the issue as staff onboard have reported it to headquarters but when can it be fixed is the question as obviously Vista has ongoing sailings.  We were reassured that we should not expect such soundproofing issues on the Allura. 

 

That’s it, everything else was AMAZING!

 

PH1 Room:

 

We were originally booked in an Oceanview on the Riviera but when we switched to this cruise, we couldn’t pass up the amazing deal on the Penthouse Suite!  We were in 11015.  Our last two cruises before this one on Celebrity were big birthdays so we splurged on Celebrity Suites where we had a separate bedroom and a butler. We were worried we would miss the separate bedroom but this room was so spacious and beautiful that we didn’t miss it at all.  And on Oceania we really, really felt the benefit of having a butler.  Aside from obvious things like bringing breakfast when ordered, Titus made sure to check in on us constantly.  If we didn’t have an excursion that day, he would make recommendations.  If we were going to a specialty restaurant, he would tell us the best dishes.  Of course, he brought room service, provided requested items in our mini fridge, and helped Hubby with a repair of his shoe. He also got us extra reservations at Specialty restaurants, although we had to be flexible regarding day/time/sharing.  And then the Room attendants, Ishtar and I Kadek were so friendly and fast and our room was always perfect when they left. Love how you can click a button for “Do not Disturb” or “Make up Room” and if you put your key card in the slot, they know you are in your room (but that you can be disturbed if they need to bring you something, etc.).   The Penthouse cabin had so much storage, I could have brought two more suitcases!  It was the most comfortable room we have ever stayed in.  Well laid out and beautiful. Even better in person than on videos.  The bathroom was huge, with the two sinks and an enormous shower. Furnishings were beautiful.  The only thing I missed was the King bed I was used to on Celebrity.  The executive lounge was right down the hall and it was nice to be able to get snacks there at odd times, although it would have been nice if they had changed the offerings from time to time.  I appreciated having it though, since when I wake up, I like to enjoy some coffee a bit before eating. I was able to go get my coffee at the lounge and then relax in my room before going out to eat breakfast. Oh, and, with regards to Cruise Director announcements, we could barely here them with the door closed so I guess it depends how close your room is to speakers?

 

Food:

 

The only problem with Oceania’s food is that it is so good that it makes it very hard to decide where to eat every time. The food in the buffet was incredible - we weren’t expecting it to be so, so good!.  And we could always find a table.  And we didn’t have to walk miles to find one.  In fact, we ate lunch at the same one or two tables along the window almost every day!  Drinks (including alcohol) came right away.  Sea days were busier of course, but we still were able to find a table and wait time for drinks was minimal.  We didn’t find the buffet items to be repetitive like someone else did, in fact, we were surprised at the variety of offerings.  We ate at Waves, Aquamar, the 4 Specialty Restaurants. We especially loved Red Ginger and Polo Grill.   I would say 90 percent of what we had we were very happy with.  The rest, either not to our taste or just good (not great, like so much was).  I had heard so much about their Illy coffee at Baristas but I don’t think they have Illy anymore?  Coffee was decent but we had just spent a few days in Italy - actually, in Trieste where Illy coffee was born- so it was probably impossible to match that.  The food at the bakery was yummy and glad to have it available in-between lunch and dinner. I know some who have cruised with Oceania for a while have commented that the overall food quality has decreased, but we were amazed at the quality.  And post-COVID, from reading comments here, it seems many cruise lines (if not most) have experienced a decrease in the quality of food which I would assume is due to supply chain issues and/or cost cutting measures as they all try to recover financially.

 

Activities:
 

Took a really fun cooking class (Dessert!) and enjoyed it far more than I thought I would.  I really can make a crepe now too.  We also took part in games like Shuffleboard and Bocce ball to get O Points to turn in for prizes at the end of the cruise and it was fun to chat with the Performers who hosted these games.  A really nice touch.  We also took part in the Art Scavenger hunt as another means to gain Big O Points and that was a hoot!  Especially on our sea day we would run into others searching for art as well and it was a fun way to meet people. My husband took a couple art classes and enjoyed those too.  These were all great ways to meet crew, staff, and other travelers onboard which we both truly enjoyed and appreciated.  Next time, we want to take some of the Photography classes but we simply ran out of time.  We were never, ever bored and can't wait to sail with more sea days in order to take part in all that Oceania has to offer!

 

The gym was small as others have commented on but equipment was nice and we never had trouble finding a machine.  Although small as well, a very nice spa/locker room area which had razors, mouthwash, combs.  We had access to the Thalassotherapy Pool/Sundeck which we only used once since this was a port-intensive cruise but the pool is a great size.  It did get hot up there though!

 

Shore Excursions:

We only did three excursions using our Simply More credits.  We like to mix excursions with just walking around on our own.  What was nice is there was a shuttle into town at every one of our stops (I believe) and all except one were free. We did a Tuk Tuk in Zadar which was fun and easy.  After doing a motorcoach tour in Corfu where we lost time because some people got lost, we cancelled one excursion and booked a smaller, OE excursion.  Hubby did the OE excursion to Ephesus in Turkey and was very happy with it.  Our plan for future cruises is to use our Simply More Shore Excursion credits for only OE excursions and the rest of the ports do on our own.

 

Music:

Sorry, but we did not attend any shows!  We however LOVED the 4 Corners Band, they were the best live band we have ever seen and they also truly connect and respond to the audience which makes listening and dancing even more fun.  We did hear some of the performers at the Welcome Party and their voices were lovely.  Truly enjoyed String Quartet as well, and the woman who performed at Martini’s.  All excellent musicians!  

 

Ship in general:

Beautiful, elegant, never felt like there were 1200 people (plus staff!) on board.  It is absolutely gorgeous. Somehow, Oceania manages to get it just right.  Fancy and stunning, but also comfortable and relaxing.  Loved the library - such a relaxing spot.  Really, we loved every place on the ship - Baristas, Horizons, all the restaurants. The decor was perfect everywhere. The casino is small but glad that it is there.  We don’t gamble much but it is fun to do a little.

 

THE STAFF:

What truly made the cruise was the staff.  Friendly, warm, attentive, professional.  They were what made this cruise our best cruise ever.  We completed the mid-cruise survey and our Executive Lounge concierge, Adam, hunted us down to ensure that our needs were met.  But it was the staff everywhere - not just in one particular place, from the Barista, to Horizons, to Waves, Terrace Cafe, just everywhere, they were a joy to interact with. I know they work so hard and must be exhausted but they don’t show it.  They made us feel so welcome and comfortable.  We were worried that since Oceania’s staff would be more formal and reserved than what we are accustomed to, absolutely not so!

 

As mentioned, this was the best cruise we have ever been on.  We can’t stop talking about it and of course, we booked our future cruise with the fabulous Kaylene while onboard.  Granted, we have never sailed on an ultra-luxury cruise line, and those who have may not be as impressed, but we actually don’t want to as Oceania is our sweet spot - not too formal but feels luxurious at the same time and boy were we pampered. To get the added perks (early specialty restaurant booking, a butler, 3 bags of laundry, etc.), we can book a Penthouse when we can afford it - ours was a 4 cabin upgrade sale and we got an incredible deal so watch for those.  When we need to cut back on our travel finances, we can book an oceanview (love how they are the same size as all the other veranda rooms) and we still have access to the entire ship, aside from the sundeck which can be accessed by paying a nominal fee.  We looked at the veranda rooms and they are quite spacious and again, look better in person than on video. No matter which stateroom category we are in, we know that if we meet others, we can make future plans to meet with them and don’t have to wonder if they are in the Retreat.  We met some great fellow cruisers and are looking forward to meeting more!  Please let me know if you have any questions.  Thank you to all who comment on this board, you helped us discover Oceania!

[1985rz1]

8 minutes ago, janelledocb said:

Apologies, I think this is in Bold, but I can't seem to change that, LOL.  Here is a very long review - feel free to skim!  

This was our first cruise on Oceania and we chose this cruise line after months of research here on cruise critic, through talking to TAs, watching 100s of videos, and reading comments on a popular social media platform. Like many others, we have been loyal Celebrity cruisers for years, but have been disappointed with their recent changes.  We are in our early 50s and have been cruising for about 20 years, but have always enjoyed sailing with a more “mature” crowd as we sail to relax, not to party (although enjoy engaging in dancing, trivia, etc.)!. Celebrity seems to be trending towards a more family-friendly, high energy crowd. Their new ships are stunning, but very modern and we prefer a more elegant and classic environment. So now we must cruise on their older, often non-renovated ships to experience the type of atmosphere and crowd we enjoy.  In addition, staff often appear overworked and stressed and MDR and buffet food are not what they used to be.  Now, not only do we sail the older ships, but in order to enjoy good food, less crowds, and less children, we also only stay in the Retreat.  However, that means we have to pay a hefty price each time we sail!  Plus, situations can become awkward when you make new friends and discover they are not staying in the retreat (so can’t join you for dinner, mingle in the Retreat Lounge, etc.). For these reasons, we searched for a new cruise line to try and settled on Oceania.

Okay, enough about Celebrity!  Onto Oceania!  We sailed the Vista from Trieste (Venice) to Athens June 1-12 as others did on this board.

 

Our ONLY somewhat negative experience onboard:
 

My hubby is a light sleeper so early on, we decided to avoid the Vista as we read that soundproofing can be an issue between some rooms.  But, our cruise on the Riviera was canceled last-minute due to unrest in the Red Sea and we had to quickly decide between the Vista and Azamara Onward.  Vista won, but thanks to advice here, we came prepared with mini white noise machines (fantastic, we were never woken up early in the morning!) and these TV speaker sound redirectors purchased on Amazon.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TQ23FKC?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

Who watches TV on a cruise?  I do! I enjoy watching a movie or two since I never have time at home and we also watch tv right before bed.  The sound redirectors worked great - directing the sound forward instead of going towards the wall behind it.  At the end of the cruise, I just removed the redirectors and easily scraped off any leftover adhesive.  Yes, we could hear our neighbors on both sides from time to time but not to the degree to where we could hear their actual conversations, thank goodness.  Fortunately, our cruise was port-intensive so people did not spend much time in their rooms.  Yes, Oceania knows about the issue as staff onboard have reported it to headquarters but when can it be fixed is the question as obviously Vista has ongoing sailings.  We were reassured that we should not expect such soundproofing issues on the Allura. 

 

That’s it, everything else was AMAZING!

 

PH1 Room:

 

We were originally booked in an Oceanview on the Riviera but when we switched to this cruise, we couldn’t pass up the amazing deal on the Penthouse Suite!  We were in 11015.  Our last two cruises before this one on Celebrity were big birthdays so we splurged on Celebrity Suites where we had a separate bedroom and a butler. We were worried we would miss the separate bedroom but this room was so spacious and beautiful that we didn’t miss it at all.  And on Oceania we really, really felt the benefit of having a butler.  Aside from obvious things like bringing breakfast when ordered, Titus made sure to check in on us constantly.  If we didn’t have an excursion that day, he would make recommendations.  If we were going to a specialty restaurant, he would tell us the best dishes.  Of course, he brought room service, provided requested items in our mini fridge, and helped Hubby with a repair of his shoe. He also got us extra reservations at Specialty restaurants, although we had to be flexible regarding day/time/sharing.  And then the Room attendants, Ishtar and I Kadek were so friendly and fast and our room was always perfect when they left. Love how you can click a button for “Do not Disturb” or “Make up Room” and if you put your key card in the slot, they know you are in your room (but that you can be disturbed if they need to bring you something, etc.).   The Penthouse cabin had so much storage, I could have brought two more suitcases!  It was the most comfortable room we have ever stayed in.  Well laid out and beautiful. Even better in person than on videos.  The bathroom was huge, with the two sinks and an enormous shower. Furnishings were beautiful.  The only thing I missed was the King bed I was used to on Celebrity.  The executive lounge was right down the hall and it was nice to be able to get snacks there at odd times, although it would have been nice if they had changed the offerings from time to time.  I appreciated having it though, since when I wake up, I like to enjoy some coffee a bit before eating. I was able to go get my coffee at the lounge and then relax in my room before going out to eat breakfast. Oh, and, with regards to Cruise Director announcements, we could barely here them with the door closed so I guess it depends how close your room is to speakers?

 

Food:

 

The only problem with Oceania’s food is that it is so good that it makes it very hard to decide where to eat every time. The food in the buffet was incredible - we weren’t expecting it to be so, so good!.  And we could always find a table.  And we didn’t have to walk miles to find one.  In fact, we ate lunch at the same one or two tables along the window almost every day!  Drinks (including alcohol) came right away.  Sea days were busier of course, but we still were able to find a table and wait time for drinks was minimal.  We didn’t find the buffet items to be repetitive like someone else did, in fact, we were surprised at the variety of offerings.  We ate at Waves, Aquamar, the 4 Specialty Restaurants. We especially loved Red Ginger and Polo Grill.   I would say 90 percent of what we had we were very happy with.  The rest, either not to our taste or just good (not great, like so much was).  I had heard so much about their Illy coffee at Baristas but I don’t think they have Illy anymore?  Coffee was decent but we had just spent a few days in Italy - actually, in Trieste where Illy coffee was born- so it was probably impossible to match that.  The food at the bakery was yummy and glad to have it available in-between lunch and dinner. I know some who have cruised with Oceania for a while have commented that the overall food quality has decreased, but we were amazed at the quality.  And post-COVID, from reading comments here, it seems many cruise lines (if not most) have experienced a decrease in the quality of food which I would assume is due to supply chain issues and/or cost cutting measures as they all try to recover financially.

 

Activities:
 

Took a really fun cooking class (Dessert!) and enjoyed it far more than I thought I would.  I really can make a crepe now too.  We also took part in games like Shuffleboard and Bocce ball to get O Points to turn in for prizes at the end of the cruise and it was fun to chat with the Performers who hosted these games.  A really nice touch.  We also took part in the Art Scavenger hunt as another means to gain Big O Points and that was a hoot!  Especially on our sea day we would run into others searching for art as well and it was a fun way to meet people. My husband took a couple art classes and enjoyed those too.  These were all great ways to meet crew, staff, and other travelers onboard which we both truly enjoyed and appreciated.  Next time, we want to take some of the Photography classes but we simply ran out of time.  We were never, ever bored and can't wait to sail with more sea days in order to take part in all that Oceania has to offer!

 

The gym was small as others have commented on but equipment was nice and we never had trouble finding a machine.  Although small as well, a very nice spa/locker room area which had razors, mouthwash, combs.  We had access to the Thalassotherapy Pool/Sundeck which we only used once since this was a port-intensive cruise but the pool is a great size.  It did get hot up there though!

 

Shore Excursions:

We only did three excursions using our Simply More credits.  We like to mix excursions with just walking around on our own.  What was nice is there was a shuttle into town at every one of our stops (I believe) and all except one were free. We did a Tuk Tuk in Zadar which was fun and easy.  After doing a motorcoach tour in Corfu where we lost time because some people got lost, we cancelled one excursion and booked a smaller, OE excursion.  Hubby did the OE excursion to Ephesus in Turkey and was very happy with it.  Our plan for future cruises is to use our Simply More Shore Excursion credits for only OE excursions and the rest of the ports do on our own.

 

Music:

Sorry, but we did not attend any shows!  We however LOVED the 4 Corners Band, they were the best live band we have ever seen and they also truly connect and respond to the audience which makes listening and dancing even more fun.  We did hear some of the performers at the Welcome Party and their voices were lovely.  Truly enjoyed String Quartet as well, and the woman who performed at Martini’s.  All excellent musicians!  

 

Ship in general:

Beautiful, elegant, never felt like there were 1200 people (plus staff!) on board.  It is absolutely gorgeous. Somehow, Oceania manages to get it just right.  Fancy and stunning, but also comfortable and relaxing.  Loved the library - such a relaxing spot.  Really, we loved every place on the ship - Baristas, Horizons, all the restaurants. The decor was perfect everywhere. The casino is small but glad that it is there.  We don’t gamble much but it is fun to do a little.

 

THE STAFF:

What truly made the cruise was the staff.  Friendly, warm, attentive, professional.  They were what made this cruise our best cruise ever.  We completed the mid-cruise survey and our Executive Lounge concierge, Adam, hunted us down to ensure that our needs were met.  But it was the staff everywhere - not just in one particular place, from the Barista, to Horizons, to Waves, Terrace Cafe, just everywhere, they were a joy to interact with. I know they work so hard and must be exhausted but they don’t show it.  They made us feel so welcome and comfortable.  We were worried that since Oceania’s staff would be more formal and reserved than what we are accustomed to, absolutely not so!

 

As mentioned, this was the best cruise we have ever been on.  We can’t stop talking about it and of course, we booked our future cruise with the fabulous Kaylene while onboard.  Granted, we have never sailed on an ultra-luxury cruise line, and those who have may not be as impressed, but we actually don’t want to as Oceania is our sweet spot - not too formal but feels luxurious at the same time and boy were we pampered. To get the added perks (early specialty restaurant booking, a butler, 3 bags of laundry, etc.), we can book a Penthouse when we can afford it - ours was a 4 cabin upgrade sale and we got an incredible deal so watch for those.  When we need to cut back on our travel finances, we can book an oceanview (love how they are the same size as all the other veranda rooms) and we still have access to the entire ship, aside from the sundeck which can be accessed by paying a nominal fee.  We looked at the veranda rooms and they are quite spacious and again, look better in person than on video. No matter which stateroom category we are in, we know that if we meet others, we can make future plans to meet with them and don’t have to wonder if they are in the Retreat.  We met some great fellow cruisers and are looking forward to meeting more!  Please let me know if you have any questions.  Thank you to all who comment on this board, you helped us discover Oceania!

Nice and balanced review.  Thanks. 👍 Glad you enjoyed the cruise.  

[Lastdance]

Thank you, @janelledocb, for the lovely review.  We are doing a TA next May on Vista from Miami to Portugal, so your information was a huge breath of fresh air to read.  We also cruise Celebrity, booked a PH1 on Vista and just wanted a change, trying a smaller ship experience.  Being concerned about the noise issue with suites, I have been told that the issue with soundproofing will be fixed, but obviously not yet.  The gym is a very important venue for us, but we will make it work, getting a little creative.  Our issue is doing private excursions and not from the ship due to many factors.  We booked a TA because we have been to most of the ports, along with staying in Portugal after disembarking, so we did not have to fly both ways.  New ships are the only ones for me, at this point in my life, but would never rule out an older vessel, having been on M, S and E class ships on Celebrity.  Change is good and the only constant!  

 

If you think of any unique, or interesting things that you discovered, please let me know.  Again, thank you for the great positive, yet balanced review! 🥰 

[WESTEAST]

 @janelledocb Thank you for posting and enjoyed reading your review from someone with fresh eyes.  We've sailed many times with Oceania and great to read a post that has an even perspective on our favourite cruise line. 

[janelledocb]

1 hour ago, Lastdance said:

Thank you, @janelledocb, for the lovely review.  We are doing a TA next May on Vista from Miami to Portugal, so your information was a huge breath of fresh air to read.  We also cruise Celebrity, booked a PH1 on Vista and just wanted a change, trying a smaller ship experience.  Being concerned about the noise issue with suites, I have been told that the issue with soundproofing will be fixed, but obviously not yet.  The gym is a very important venue for us, but we will make it work, getting a little creative.  Our issue is doing private excursions and not from the ship due to many factors.  We booked a TA because we have been to most of the ports, along with staying in Portugal after disembarking, so we did not have to fly both ways.  New ships are the only ones for me, at this point in my life, but would never rule out an older vessel, having been on M, S and E class ships on Celebrity.  Change is good and the only constant!  

 

If you think of any unique, or interesting things that you discovered, please let me know.  Again, thank you for the great positive, yet balanced review! 🥰 

Thanks!  Yes, there is no getting around that the gym is small, especially compared to Celebrity and it needs a universal/multi purpose cable machine but my the quality of the equipment is great. My husband spent a lot of time there and he would sometimes split up his workouts so that he could do the weights/machines when few people were there. 

We had to keep reminding ourselves that we were on a MUCH smaller ship as it didn't feel like it to us.  Maybe because there are so few people compared to the size of the ship.  However, it could be also due to our many port days.  Will be interesting how it feels to you on a TA (something we would love to do someday!).

I forgot to mention that one little thing we appreciated is that you can have room service the morning you disembark!  At least in the Penthouse, not sure if non-butler rooms have this option.  It was such a relaxing way to spend our last morning on the ship. And the crew and cruisers on the Vista reminded us of our early days sailing on Celebrity.  Highly competent yet also extremely friendly staff, and fun, relaxed cruisers for the most part.
 

I do understand about not wanting or needing the Shore Excursion credits.  I wonder if this is something they will change in the future as others have mentioned that they don't like having to use the credits for shore excursions only. We will see.  We would like to use them for something else as well!  

[willidc]

On our last three cruises (Riviera, Nautica, Marina) we have been able to have room service breakfast on disembark day.  One time we were able to order breakfast for a 4:45AM delivery.  It came fresh and on time with a smile and wishes for 'good travels'.  

[mauibabes]

@janelledocb

Welcome to the Oceania family. With all your research I am sure you read much from so many Celebrity Refugees and now you can understand why. We are bringing along our 50 something children and spouses for an Allura Inaugural, they need to know where their inheritance is going 😇🙏👍. 
The CC Boards can get carried away but not usually too bad with overzealous criticisms because we all get to offer opinions. Bottom line, you enjoyed your experience and be assured, Marina and Riviera offer some great cruise experiences as well so do not hesitate to try one of their itineraries. 
Again, welcome.

Mauibabes

[Tr1v1alCru1ser]

Glad you enjoyed it so much!

[ORV]

4 hours ago, mauibabes said:

@janelledocb

Welcome to the Oceania family. With all your research I am sure you read much from so many Celebrity Refugees and now you can understand why. We are bringing along our 50 something children and spouses for an Allura Inaugural, they need to know where their inheritance is going 😇🙏👍. 
The CC Boards can get carried away but not usually too bad with overzealous criticisms because we all get to offer opinions. Bottom line, you enjoyed your experience and be assured, Marina and Riviera offer some great cruise experiences as well so do not hesitate to try one of their itineraries. 
Again, welcome.

Mauibabes

That's a lot of kids, your wife deserves to get those PH's. 

[ronrick1943]

Nice post, thank you so much for taking the time.

[WildWanderers]

21 hours ago, janelledocb said:

Apologies, I think this is in Bold, but I can't seem to change that, LOL.  Here is a very long review - feel free to skim!  

This was our first cruise on Oceania and we chose this cruise line after months of research here on cruise critic, through talking to TAs, watching 100s of videos, and reading comments on a popular social media platform. Like many others, we have been loyal Celebrity cruisers for years, but have been disappointed with their recent changes.  We are in our early 50s and have been cruising for about 20 years, but have always enjoyed sailing with a more “mature” crowd as we sail to relax, not to party (although enjoy engaging in dancing, trivia, etc.)!. Celebrity seems to be trending towards a more family-friendly, high energy crowd. Their new ships are stunning, but very modern and we prefer a more elegant and classic environment. So now we must cruise on their older, often non-renovated ships to experience the type of atmosphere and crowd we enjoy.  In addition, staff often appear overworked and stressed and MDR and buffet food are not what they used to be.  Now, not only do we sail the older ships, but in order to enjoy good food, less crowds, and less children, we also only stay in the Retreat.  However, that means we have to pay a hefty price each time we sail!  Plus, situations can become awkward when you make new friends and discover they are not staying in the retreat (so can’t join you for dinner, mingle in the Retreat Lounge, etc.). For these reasons, we searched for a new cruise line to try and settled on Oceania.

Okay, enough about Celebrity!  Onto Oceania!  We sailed the Vista from Trieste (Venice) to Athens June 1-12 as others did on this board.

 

Our ONLY somewhat negative experience onboard:
 

My hubby is a light sleeper so early on, we decided to avoid the Vista as we read that soundproofing can be an issue between some rooms.  But, our cruise on the Riviera was canceled last-minute due to unrest in the Red Sea and we had to quickly decide between the Vista and Azamara Onward.  Vista won, but thanks to advice here, we came prepared with mini white noise machines (fantastic, we were never woken up early in the morning!) and these TV speaker sound redirectors purchased on Amazon.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TQ23FKC?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

Who watches TV on a cruise?  I do! I enjoy watching a movie or two since I never have time at home and we also watch tv right before bed.  The sound redirectors worked great - directing the sound forward instead of going towards the wall behind it.  At the end of the cruise, I just removed the redirectors and easily scraped off any leftover adhesive.  Yes, we could hear our neighbors on both sides from time to time but not to the degree to where we could hear their actual conversations, thank goodness.  Fortunately, our cruise was port-intensive so people did not spend much time in their rooms.  Yes, Oceania knows about the issue as staff onboard have reported it to headquarters but when can it be fixed is the question as obviously Vista has ongoing sailings.  We were reassured that we should not expect such soundproofing issues on the Allura. 

 

That’s it, everything else was AMAZING!

 

PH1 Room:

 

We were originally booked in an Oceanview on the Riviera but when we switched to this cruise, we couldn’t pass up the amazing deal on the Penthouse Suite!  We were in 11015.  Our last two cruises before this one on Celebrity were big birthdays so we splurged on Celebrity Suites where we had a separate bedroom and a butler. We were worried we would miss the separate bedroom but this room was so spacious and beautiful that we didn’t miss it at all.  And on Oceania we really, really felt the benefit of having a butler.  Aside from obvious things like bringing breakfast when ordered, Titus made sure to check in on us constantly.  If we didn’t have an excursion that day, he would make recommendations.  If we were going to a specialty restaurant, he would tell us the best dishes.  Of course, he brought room service, provided requested items in our mini fridge, and helped Hubby with a repair of his shoe. He also got us extra reservations at Specialty restaurants, although we had to be flexible regarding day/time/sharing.  And then the Room attendants, Ishtar and I Kadek were so friendly and fast and our room was always perfect when they left. Love how you can click a button for “Do not Disturb” or “Make up Room” and if you put your key card in the slot, they know you are in your room (but that you can be disturbed if they need to bring you something, etc.).   The Penthouse cabin had so much storage, I could have brought two more suitcases!  It was the most comfortable room we have ever stayed in.  Well laid out and beautiful. Even better in person than on videos.  The bathroom was huge, with the two sinks and an enormous shower. Furnishings were beautiful.  The only thing I missed was the King bed I was used to on Celebrity.  The executive lounge was right down the hall and it was nice to be able to get snacks there at odd times, although it would have been nice if they had changed the offerings from time to time.  I appreciated having it though, since when I wake up, I like to enjoy some coffee a bit before eating. I was able to go get my coffee at the lounge and then relax in my room before going out to eat breakfast. Oh, and, with regards to Cruise Director announcements, we could barely here them with the door closed so I guess it depends how close your room is to speakers?

 

Food:

 

The only problem with Oceania’s food is that it is so good that it makes it very hard to decide where to eat every time. The food in the buffet was incredible - we weren’t expecting it to be so, so good!.  And we could always find a table.  And we didn’t have to walk miles to find one.  In fact, we ate lunch at the same one or two tables along the window almost every day!  Drinks (including alcohol) came right away.  Sea days were busier of course, but we still were able to find a table and wait time for drinks was minimal.  We didn’t find the buffet items to be repetitive like someone else did, in fact, we were surprised at the variety of offerings.  We ate at Waves, Aquamar, the 4 Specialty Restaurants. We especially loved Red Ginger and Polo Grill.   I would say 90 percent of what we had we were very happy with.  The rest, either not to our taste or just good (not great, like so much was).  I had heard so much about their Illy coffee at Baristas but I don’t think they have Illy anymore?  Coffee was decent but we had just spent a few days in Italy - actually, in Trieste where Illy coffee was born- so it was probably impossible to match that.  The food at the bakery was yummy and glad to have it available in-between lunch and dinner. I know some who have cruised with Oceania for a while have commented that the overall food quality has decreased, but we were amazed at the quality.  And post-COVID, from reading comments here, it seems many cruise lines (if not most) have experienced a decrease in the quality of food which I would assume is due to supply chain issues and/or cost cutting measures as they all try to recover financially.

 

Activities:
 

Took a really fun cooking class (Dessert!) and enjoyed it far more than I thought I would.  I really can make a crepe now too.  We also took part in games like Shuffleboard and Bocce ball to get O Points to turn in for prizes at the end of the cruise and it was fun to chat with the Performers who hosted these games.  A really nice touch.  We also took part in the Art Scavenger hunt as another means to gain Big O Points and that was a hoot!  Especially on our sea day we would run into others searching for art as well and it was a fun way to meet people. My husband took a couple art classes and enjoyed those too.  These were all great ways to meet crew, staff, and other travelers onboard which we both truly enjoyed and appreciated.  Next time, we want to take some of the Photography classes but we simply ran out of time.  We were never, ever bored and can't wait to sail with more sea days in order to take part in all that Oceania has to offer!

 

The gym was small as others have commented on but equipment was nice and we never had trouble finding a machine.  Although small as well, a very nice spa/locker room area which had razors, mouthwash, combs.  We had access to the Thalassotherapy Pool/Sundeck which we only used once since this was a port-intensive cruise but the pool is a great size.  It did get hot up there though!

 

Shore Excursions:

We only did three excursions using our Simply More credits.  We like to mix excursions with just walking around on our own.  What was nice is there was a shuttle into town at every one of our stops (I believe) and all except one were free. We did a Tuk Tuk in Zadar which was fun and easy.  After doing a motorcoach tour in Corfu where we lost time because some people got lost, we cancelled one excursion and booked a smaller, OE excursion.  Hubby did the OE excursion to Ephesus in Turkey and was very happy with it.  Our plan for future cruises is to use our Simply More Shore Excursion credits for only OE excursions and the rest of the ports do on our own.

 

Music:

Sorry, but we did not attend any shows!  We however LOVED the 4 Corners Band, they were the best live band we have ever seen and they also truly connect and respond to the audience which makes listening and dancing even more fun.  We did hear some of the performers at the Welcome Party and their voices were lovely.  Truly enjoyed String Quartet as well, and the woman who performed at Martini’s.  All excellent musicians!  

 

Ship in general:

Beautiful, elegant, never felt like there were 1200 people (plus staff!) on board.  It is absolutely gorgeous. Somehow, Oceania manages to get it just right.  Fancy and stunning, but also comfortable and relaxing.  Loved the library - such a relaxing spot.  Really, we loved every place on the ship - Baristas, Horizons, all the restaurants. The decor was perfect everywhere. The casino is small but glad that it is there.  We don’t gamble much but it is fun to do a little.

 

THE STAFF:

What truly made the cruise was the staff.  Friendly, warm, attentive, professional.  They were what made this cruise our best cruise ever.  We completed the mid-cruise survey and our Executive Lounge concierge, Adam, hunted us down to ensure that our needs were met.  But it was the staff everywhere - not just in one particular place, from the Barista, to Horizons, to Waves, Terrace Cafe, just everywhere, they were a joy to interact with. I know they work so hard and must be exhausted but they don’t show it.  They made us feel so welcome and comfortable.  We were worried that since Oceania’s staff would be more formal and reserved than what we are accustomed to, absolutely not so!

 

As mentioned, this was the best cruise we have ever been on.  We can’t stop talking about it and of course, we booked our future cruise with the fabulous Kaylene while onboard.  Granted, we have never sailed on an ultra-luxury cruise line, and those who have may not be as impressed, but we actually don’t want to as Oceania is our sweet spot - not too formal but feels luxurious at the same time and boy were we pampered. To get the added perks (early specialty restaurant booking, a butler, 3 bags of laundry, etc.), we can book a Penthouse when we can afford it - ours was a 4 cabin upgrade sale and we got an incredible deal so watch for those.  When we need to cut back on our travel finances, we can book an oceanview (love how they are the same size as all the other veranda rooms) and we still have access to the entire ship, aside from the sundeck which can be accessed by paying a nominal fee.  We looked at the veranda rooms and they are quite spacious and again, look better in person than on video. No matter which stateroom category we are in, we know that if we meet others, we can make future plans to meet with them and don’t have to wonder if they are in the Retreat.  We met some great fellow cruisers and are looking forward to meeting more!  Please let me know if you have any questions.  Thank you to all who comment on this board, you helped us discover Oceania!

 

Hi @janelledocb,

 

Thank you for taking the time to document your first impressions.

 

Your enthusiasm is contagious.

 

We're on the Vista for the first time in August, so it was fun to read your thoughts and envisage our upcoming trip.

 

Cheers!

[mauibabes]

@ORV

Thanks but let me clarify, our 2 kids AGE 50+, 🤪 not 50 + kids cuz I am not 💰💰💰💰💰💰💰.  Appreciate the humor though and now we see how easy it is to “misinterpret” CC posts. I better not let my DW see any reference to 50+ kids. 😇, two were plenty. 
Mauibabes

[basenji56]

19 minutes ago, mauibabes said:

@ORV

Thanks but let me clarify, our 2 kids AGE 50+, 🤪 not 50 + kids cuz I am not 💰💰💰💰💰💰💰.  Appreciate the humor though and now we see how easy it is to “misinterpret” CC posts. I better not let my DW see any reference to 50+ kids. 😇, two were plenty. 
Mauibabes

Thanks for clarifying!  Me (and many people) were thinking--thank goodness we are not on that cruise with 50+ kids!

 

 

[edgee]

Glad you enjoyed your time on Vista. After 27 nights on her in two different cabins the TV sound between cabins issue is a deal breaker for us. Kudos to you for having a plan to deal with the issue. Inability to use SM shore excursion credits after our excursions were cancelled near the end of the cruise is a distant second. We have a 25 night cruise on Marina coming in July and are very much looking forward to it, but due to our disappointment with Vista and the way SM is being handled by the company, we will be very selective about the kind of Oceania cruise we book in the future and it certainly will not be on Vista.

Edited Tuesday at 01:27 AM by edgee
typo

[clo]

11 minutes ago, edgee said:

Glad you enjoyed your time on Vista. After 27 nights on her in two different cabins the TV sound between cabins issue is a deal breaker for us. Kudos to you for having a plan to deal with the issue. Inability to use SM shore excursion credits after our excursions were cancelled near the end of the cruise is a distant second. We have a 25 night cruise on Marina coming in July and are very much looking forward to it, but due to our disappointment with Vista and the way SM is being handled by the company, we will be very selective about the kind of Oceania cruise we book in the future and it certainly will not be on Vusta.

It just occurred to me that Oceania is turning into several different cruise lines. Passengers are going to need to study each one. Is this how small lines do?

[edgee]

3 minutes ago, clo said:

It just occurred to me that Oceania is turning into several different cruise lines. Passengers are going to need to study each one. Is this how small lines do?

Lots of larger lines have huge differences between their different ships..Celebrity comes to mind.

[mauibabes]

JMHO but to me it is the evolution of the Line and Brand. Over 20+ years they started redefining the Renaissance ships as they acquired them. Then the O Class Marina and ultimately Riviera. They also picked up Sirena and tried to change some dining options with the addition of Red Ginger and combining restaurants to become Tuscan Steak. Still had the 680 pax ships and the 1250 O Class ships. Then FDR, 10+ years later rolls out Vista and Allura which is to be seen next year. I am sure she will come with additional refinements. Next phase of evolution comes the 1400 pax ships, unnamed yet, but due in 2027 and 2029.  By then, the R ships will be sent to pasture or on to some lesser niche cruise line.  
I do not see Oceania standing still but moving forward in the Lux Lite niche and catering to the guests who are evolving from mass market cruisers and maturing to appreciate  O quality and value in their cruise life. Like I said, just my 2 or 3 cents. ok, I will hand off the Mic, Next?😇🙏🛳️.

 

Mauibabes 

[JDPCruisers]

On 6/23/2024 at 8:16 PM, janelledocb said:

Apologies, I think this is in Bold, but I can't seem to change that, LOL.  Here is a very long review - feel free to skim!  

This was our first cruise on Oceania and we chose this cruise line after months of research here on cruise critic, through talking to TAs, watching 100s of videos, and reading comments on a popular social media platform. Like many others, we have been loyal Celebrity cruisers for years, but have been disappointed with their recent changes.  We are in our early 50s and have been cruising for about 20 years, but have always enjoyed sailing with a more “mature” crowd as we sail to relax, not to party (although enjoy engaging in dancing, trivia, etc.)!. Celebrity seems to be trending towards a more family-friendly, high energy crowd. Their new ships are stunning, but very modern and we prefer a more elegant and classic environment. So now we must cruise on their older, often non-renovated ships to experience the type of atmosphere and crowd we enjoy.  In addition, staff often appear overworked and stressed and MDR and buffet food are not what they used to be.  Now, not only do we sail the older ships, but in order to enjoy good food, less crowds, and less children, we also only stay in the Retreat.  However, that means we have to pay a hefty price each time we sail!  Plus, situations can become awkward when you make new friends and discover they are not staying in the retreat (so can’t join you for dinner, mingle in the Retreat Lounge, etc.). For these reasons, we searched for a new cruise line to try and settled on Oceania.

Okay, enough about Celebrity!  Onto Oceania!  We sailed the Vista from Trieste (Venice) to Athens June 1-12 as others did on this board.

 

Our ONLY somewhat negative experience onboard:
 

My hubby is a light sleeper so early on, we decided to avoid the Vista as we read that soundproofing can be an issue between some rooms.  But, our cruise on the Riviera was canceled last-minute due to unrest in the Red Sea and we had to quickly decide between the Vista and Azamara Onward.  Vista won, but thanks to advice here, we came prepared with mini white noise machines (fantastic, we were never woken up early in the morning!) and these TV speaker sound redirectors purchased on Amazon.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TQ23FKC?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

Who watches TV on a cruise?  I do! I enjoy watching a movie or two since I never have time at home and we also watch tv right before bed.  The sound redirectors worked great - directing the sound forward instead of going towards the wall behind it.  At the end of the cruise, I just removed the redirectors and easily scraped off any leftover adhesive.  Yes, we could hear our neighbors on both sides from time to time but not to the degree to where we could hear their actual conversations, thank goodness.  Fortunately, our cruise was port-intensive so people did not spend much time in their rooms.  Yes, Oceania knows about the issue as staff onboard have reported it to headquarters but when can it be fixed is the question as obviously Vista has ongoing sailings.  We were reassured that we should not expect such soundproofing issues on the Allura. 

 

That’s it, everything else was AMAZING!

 

PH1 Room:

 

We were originally booked in an Oceanview on the Riviera but when we switched to this cruise, we couldn’t pass up the amazing deal on the Penthouse Suite!  We were in 11015.  Our last two cruises before this one on Celebrity were big birthdays so we splurged on Celebrity Suites where we had a separate bedroom and a butler. We were worried we would miss the separate bedroom but this room was so spacious and beautiful that we didn’t miss it at all.  And on Oceania we really, really felt the benefit of having a butler.  Aside from obvious things like bringing breakfast when ordered, Titus made sure to check in on us constantly.  If we didn’t have an excursion that day, he would make recommendations.  If we were going to a specialty restaurant, he would tell us the best dishes.  Of course, he brought room service, provided requested items in our mini fridge, and helped Hubby with a repair of his shoe. He also got us extra reservations at Specialty restaurants, although we had to be flexible regarding day/time/sharing.  And then the Room attendants, Ishtar and I Kadek were so friendly and fast and our room was always perfect when they left. Love how you can click a button for “Do not Disturb” or “Make up Room” and if you put your key card in the slot, they know you are in your room (but that you can be disturbed if they need to bring you something, etc.).   The Penthouse cabin had so much storage, I could have brought two more suitcases!  It was the most comfortable room we have ever stayed in.  Well laid out and beautiful. Even better in person than on videos.  The bathroom was huge, with the two sinks and an enormous shower. Furnishings were beautiful.  The only thing I missed was the King bed I was used to on Celebrity.  The executive lounge was right down the hall and it was nice to be able to get snacks there at odd times, although it would have been nice if they had changed the offerings from time to time.  I appreciated having it though, since when I wake up, I like to enjoy some coffee a bit before eating. I was able to go get my coffee at the lounge and then relax in my room before going out to eat breakfast. Oh, and, with regards to Cruise Director announcements, we could barely here them with the door closed so I guess it depends how close your room is to speakers?

 

Food:

 

The only problem with Oceania’s food is that it is so good that it makes it very hard to decide where to eat every time. The food in the buffet was incredible - we weren’t expecting it to be so, so good!.  And we could always find a table.  And we didn’t have to walk miles to find one.  In fact, we ate lunch at the same one or two tables along the window almost every day!  Drinks (including alcohol) came right away.  Sea days were busier of course, but we still were able to find a table and wait time for drinks was minimal.  We didn’t find the buffet items to be repetitive like someone else did, in fact, we were surprised at the variety of offerings.  We ate at Waves, Aquamar, the 4 Specialty Restaurants. We especially loved Red Ginger and Polo Grill.   I would say 90 percent of what we had we were very happy with.  The rest, either not to our taste or just good (not great, like so much was).  I had heard so much about their Illy coffee at Baristas but I don’t think they have Illy anymore?  Coffee was decent but we had just spent a few days in Italy - actually, in Trieste where Illy coffee was born- so it was probably impossible to match that.  The food at the bakery was yummy and glad to have it available in-between lunch and dinner. I know some who have cruised with Oceania for a while have commented that the overall food quality has decreased, but we were amazed at the quality.  And post-COVID, from reading comments here, it seems many cruise lines (if not most) have experienced a decrease in the quality of food which I would assume is due to supply chain issues and/or cost cutting measures as they all try to recover financially.

 

Activities:
 

Took a really fun cooking class (Dessert!) and enjoyed it far more than I thought I would.  I really can make a crepe now too.  We also took part in games like Shuffleboard and Bocce ball to get O Points to turn in for prizes at the end of the cruise and it was fun to chat with the Performers who hosted these games.  A really nice touch.  We also took part in the Art Scavenger hunt as another means to gain Big O Points and that was a hoot!  Especially on our sea day we would run into others searching for art as well and it was a fun way to meet people. My husband took a couple art classes and enjoyed those too.  These were all great ways to meet crew, staff, and other travelers onboard which we both truly enjoyed and appreciated.  Next time, we want to take some of the Photography classes but we simply ran out of time.  We were never, ever bored and can't wait to sail with more sea days in order to take part in all that Oceania has to offer!

 

The gym was small as others have commented on but equipment was nice and we never had trouble finding a machine.  Although small as well, a very nice spa/locker room area which had razors, mouthwash, combs.  We had access to the Thalassotherapy Pool/Sundeck which we only used once since this was a port-intensive cruise but the pool is a great size.  It did get hot up there though!

 

Shore Excursions:

We only did three excursions using our Simply More credits.  We like to mix excursions with just walking around on our own.  What was nice is there was a shuttle into town at every one of our stops (I believe) and all except one were free. We did a Tuk Tuk in Zadar which was fun and easy.  After doing a motorcoach tour in Corfu where we lost time because some people got lost, we cancelled one excursion and booked a smaller, OE excursion.  Hubby did the OE excursion to Ephesus in Turkey and was very happy with it.  Our plan for future cruises is to use our Simply More Shore Excursion credits for only OE excursions and the rest of the ports do on our own.

 

Music:

Sorry, but we did not attend any shows!  We however LOVED the 4 Corners Band, they were the best live band we have ever seen and they also truly connect and respond to the audience which makes listening and dancing even more fun.  We did hear some of the performers at the Welcome Party and their voices were lovely.  Truly enjoyed String Quartet as well, and the woman who performed at Martini’s.  All excellent musicians!  

 

Ship in general:

Beautiful, elegant, never felt like there were 1200 people (plus staff!) on board.  It is absolutely gorgeous. Somehow, Oceania manages to get it just right.  Fancy and stunning, but also comfortable and relaxing.  Loved the library - such a relaxing spot.  Really, we loved every place on the ship - Baristas, Horizons, all the restaurants. The decor was perfect everywhere. The casino is small but glad that it is there.  We don’t gamble much but it is fun to do a little.

 

THE STAFF:

What truly made the cruise was the staff.  Friendly, warm, attentive, professional.  They were what made this cruise our best cruise ever.  We completed the mid-cruise survey and our Executive Lounge concierge, Adam, hunted us down to ensure that our needs were met.  But it was the staff everywhere - not just in one particular place, from the Barista, to Horizons, to Waves, Terrace Cafe, just everywhere, they were a joy to interact with. I know they work so hard and must be exhausted but they don’t show it.  They made us feel so welcome and comfortable.  We were worried that since Oceania’s staff would be more formal and reserved than what we are accustomed to, absolutely not so!

 

As mentioned, this was the best cruise we have ever been on.  We can’t stop talking about it and of course, we booked our future cruise with the fabulous Kaylene while onboard.  Granted, we have never sailed on an ultra-luxury cruise line, and those who have may not be as impressed, but we actually don’t want to as Oceania is our sweet spot - not too formal but feels luxurious at the same time and boy were we pampered. To get the added perks (early specialty restaurant booking, a butler, 3 bags of laundry, etc.), we can book a Penthouse when we can afford it - ours was a 4 cabin upgrade sale and we got an incredible deal so watch for those.  When we need to cut back on our travel finances, we can book an oceanview (love how they are the same size as all the other veranda rooms) and we still have access to the entire ship, aside from the sundeck which can be accessed by paying a nominal fee.  We looked at the veranda rooms and they are quite spacious and again, look better in person than on video. No matter which stateroom category we are in, we know that if we meet others, we can make future plans to meet with them and don’t have to wonder if they are in the Retreat.  We met some great fellow cruisers and are looking forward to meeting more!  Please let me know if you have any questions.  Thank you to all who comment on this board, you helped us discover Oceania!

Thanks for your well-balanced review. We, too, will be cruising on Vista for our first time on Oceania next January through the Panama Canel after sailing for some years on Celebrity and Royal so it's good to hear from first timers moving over from Celebrity. We trust our experience will mirror yours!

[Hlitner]

Thanks for the review.  We recently spent 35 days on the Vista (also our first O cruise) and can agree with most of what you posted.  

 

Hank

[janelledocb]

23 hours ago, Hlitner said:

Thanks for the review.  We recently spent 35 days on the Vista (also our first O cruise) and can agree with most of what you posted.  

 

Hank

Thank you Hank.  You were a valuable source of information for us with your comments and review(s) - greatly appreciate your time and effot!

[Jim_Iain]

Thanks for your wonderful review.

 

Like you we have sailed Exclusively in Suites and Exclusively Celebrity for 24 years.   Also like you we are not happy with the new Edge Class ships and many, many changes that are not positive.   We are also Orphans trying new lines and believe Oceania may be our new Go To cruise going forward.    We will be taking our first Oceania Cruise in September and your review is really making more excited.    We had originally booked Vista in an Owner's Suite for 2025 but just couldn't wait so decided to book a close by Alaska Cruise on Regatta.    I know it is a smaller older ship but that has not damped our excitement.   For this cruise we booked the Vista Suite so I don't believe we will be having any noise issues. 

 

I just added those speaker deflectors to my wish list.    They really make sense as often on Celebrity I find the speakers facing the wall really muffel the sound making me turn up the volume.

 

Thanks again.